Cathy Engelbert Drops Dan Patrick Interview Plan

Lake Tahoe Gathering Hits a Snag

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was scheduled to appear on The Dan Patrick Show while covering the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe. The celebrity golf tournament brought Patrick and his crew to the Nevada resort, where Engelbert also competed as a participant. Plans for a live interview were announced and promoted, but when the cameras were ready, she never showed up.

Two Hours of Waiting and PR Confusion

During Friday’s broadcast, Patrick revealed a long wait: they had been standing by for almost two hours after the show ended. Producer Todd Fritz said he spent roughly 90 minutes trying to get a status update while the program remained on hold. Eventually, they learned the commissioner had been instructed by the WNBA’s public‑relations team not to participate. Patrick explained they wanted to ask about Caitlin Clark, the league, expansion, and other hot topics.

Alternative Airwaves and Limited Topics

Instead, Engelbert opted for a different venue, appearing on Sports Radio 810 WHB in Kansas City. According to Patrick, the Kansas City broadcast focused exclusively on expansion plans, avoiding the broader agenda discussed for the Patrick show. The switch raised questions about the league’s messaging control.

Patrick’s Response and Broader Implications

Patrick defended his interviewing style, insisting he aims for genuine dialogue rather than ambush tactics. He noted that while turning down an interview may be a prudent PR move, leaving producers waiting two hours was unnecessary and unprofessional. The incident highlights the delicate balance commissioners must strike between media exposure and message discipline.